Ralph W. Bell Jr.

Ralph W. Bell Jr., age 96, of Concord Twp. passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at Vista Springs Quail Highlands with his beloved wife, Jeanette (Balogh) Bell, at his side. Ralph was born on December 16, 1929, in Bedford, OH to Ralph W. Bell Sr. and Ruth (Prestage) Bell. Ralph attended the College of Wooster, where he studied Mathematics and Physics. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Ralph continued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and went on to get his M.B.A in Industrial Management. He met his wife of sixty-nine years, Jeanette, when she was a senior in high school, and they married on September 8, 1956. They were blessed with many years together in which he faithfully upheld the vows “to have and to hold.” Even as his health declined, Ralph always cared for his wife, ensuring “his Jeanette” was looked after. Throughout his career, Ralph worked as an engineer at Thompson Products/TRW and Cleveland Machine Controls. He went on to serve as a founding member of Lakeland Community College and worked there for many years as a professor and administrator, having a profound impact on his students and the college. He always valued education and pursued his passion for learning throughout his life. In addition, he was a very active member of his church, always gladly serving the Lord. Ralph was exceedingly devoted to family. He enjoyed taking walks on the boardwalk in the woods, eating pizza with loved ones, and reading books. When over for a visit, he always had questions to ask and truly listened to the responses. Ralph's sense of humor brought joy to others, and he genuinely put his heart into all of his endeavors. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Richard (Evalyn) Bell; son, Ralph W. Bell; infant daughter, Johanne; and son-in-law, Michael Davison. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette (Balogh) Bell. Survivors also include his daughters, Jeanne (John) Everett and Julie Davison (Tony); his daughter-in-law, Jami Bell (Doug); his grandchildren, Jennifer (Rick) Charlton, John (Sarah) Everett Jr., Joshua (Ellie) Davison, Jacob Davison; and great-grandchildren, Aubrie Everett, and Ethan and Ella Charlton. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the funeral home. A private family internment will be in Concord Twp. Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church; online at www.fpcwilloughby.org/giving.html or to Traditions Hospice, 677 Alpha Dr. Unit H, Highland Heights, OH 44143. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Ralph W. Bell Jr.

December 16, 1929 - January 31, 2026